RB Rankings – Week 16
Jamaal Charles won most of his fantasy owners their semi finals week and while he may never see another five touchdown game in his career he should have another solid day in week sixteen. Charles squares off against the Colts this week and should easily eclipse 100 yards from scrimmage. Charles has an amazing 655 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns off of 65 receptions and has become a truly elite running back under Andy Reid after coming into 2013 already viewed as an excellent yards per carry monster. Charles is our number two running back for fantasy super bowl week and has cemented himself as a potential number one overall pick in 2014 fantasy drafts, especially in PPR formats.
Rashard Mendenhall has actually looked like he has been regaining some of the juice that saw him find success early in his career as a Steeler but this week against the Seahawks fantasy owners should be looking for other options. Mendenhall squares off against the Seahawks who have surrendered the ninth fewest points to opposing running backs this season. Hopefully outside of the deepest of leagues you have a better option in tow.
Bobby Rainey has an excellent matchup this week versus a weak Rams run defense that has allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs but he is not someone we suggest starting outside of the deepest of leagues as a flex only. The stakes are too high this week to trust Rainey despite his truly tasty matchup.
Trent Richardson is looking like a sneaky start this week with Donald Brown banged up but ‘traumatized fantasy owners may choose to stay away due to his indecisiveness as a member of the Colts. Richardson looks like an upside flex play for those in the deepest leagues. Those in formats with less than sixteen teams should have already found a replacement they trust more than Richardson by now.
Shane Vereen got bottled up by a Dolphins defense that schemed to take him out of the game and one would think that the Ravens have watched the film and intend to do some similar things but the Belichick-Brady led Patriots will adapt and find ways to manufacture their explosive joker touches, especially in the passing game. Vereen is a top ten option once again this week and is a borderline top five play in PPR formats.
